My family recently had a blender that stopped working. Rather than throwing it out and purchasing a new one, I had a family friend fix it for me. It’s great because now I’ve saved money, and I’m able to cut back on my waste.

Did you know that you can help the environment and reduce waste by simply not buying something? By repairing, sharing, swapping or re-using things, you can avoid wasteful packaging and avoid sending more things to landfill - and you’ll probably save money.

We can buy less, share things, or buy second-hand things to reduce the waste impact of what we own.

This includes things like borrowing a book from the library, or sharing tools with a neighbour instead of buying your own. You can also buy second hand clothing or donate your old furniture to a charitable store.

Challenge:

Instead of buying something new, reconsider it – borrow it from a friend, or rent it instead. Or, if you really need your own, buy it second hand. Share a photo and tell us about it!

Instead of throwing out something you don’t use anymore, donate or sell it to someone who could use it. Tell us about it! The City of Toronto website lists local non-profit groups that accept donations of used goods.

Take the extra step:Repair it! Instead of tossing something out, get it repaired, or learn to maintain it yourself so it lasts longer. Mend your clothes, or get them altered by a tailor. Tell us about your repair adventure and snap a photo!

I used the waste wizard to look up how to properly dispose of electronic waste. I live in a high-rise and they currently don’t have e-waste bins or green bins available in the building. I’m definitely going to reach to the property management to find out what we can do to have these services on site.

The free City waste calendar lists waste collection days and each month features a number of tips on how to sort your waste - if you didn’t get one, order one now by calling 311 or send an email to 311@toronto.ca and ask for a Waste Calendar.

Tip: See "What Goes Where" on City of Toronto website for links to information on how to sort and set out your waste.

Take the extra step:If you already use the City tools above, share these links with a friend, or a family member.

TEA’s Waste Free challenge is a project of the Toronto Environmental Alliance. The project is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario. The challenge is sponsored by CUPE Local 416, the union representing Toronto City workers who collect, sort, recycle and compost Toronto's residential waste.